H x W x D: 17.8 x 2.9 x 1.3 cm (7 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
This spoon came to the museum as part of a larger collection of Lega spoons in association with Bwami, a graded society open to all men and women that served as an educational system through which esteemed Lega values were taught. Bwami spoons were status symbols and initiation devices used symbolically for "feeding" a kindi elder during a ritual. However, though Lega spoons are known to have "legs," the two-pronged stem of this spoon is unusual and the bowl is aberrant. The spoon's slender prongs and attenuated shape are rather more reminiscent of South African combination spoon-combs, or perhaps a Zulu snuff spoon.
Description:
Ivory spoon with a two-pronged stem and a bowl that tapers to a point. Incised linear designs decorate the neck of the spoon.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, -- to 1973
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
